Yasir has a challenger in Kuldeep: Shane Warne

MUMBAI: Until a year back, Kuldeep Yadav had been grinding it out in domestic competitions, picking a bagful of wickets and yet failing to impress the selectors to earn a national call-up. And with R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja bowling in tandem and contributing with the bat, things weren’t easy for Kuldeep.

While the selectors are now convinced, Kuldeep has also impressed former greats.

On Sunday, after India beat Australia by seven wickets to seal the series

4-1, Shane Warne tweeted: “If young Kuldeep remains patient when he’s bowling in all forms then he could challenge Yasir as the best leg spinner in the world & quickly.”

Kuldeep earned his debut in all formats of the game this year. He has had pretty impressive Kuldeep Yadav numbers so far. He’s played two Tests and T20IS each and 11 ODIS, taking nine, three and 18 wickets respectively.

Kuldeep replied to Warne, that he would keep his appreciation in mind and work hard.

Warne replied: “My pleasure mate, keep up the great work & wear that Number 23 with pride young man !!! #patience #spintowin.”

Warne compared him to Yasir Shah. The Pakistan leggie has already taken 175 wickets in Tests and ODIS.

Unlike Shah, 31, Kuldeep has a long way to go, to try and challenge his numbers. Yasir Shah

Kuldeep broke through during the 2014 under-19 World Cup, picking 14 wickets to finish the tournament as India’s second-highest wickettaker. Although the side led by Ishan Kishan failed to lift the trophy, it propelled Kuldeep into limelight.

He was soon bought for $66,000 by Kolkata Knight Riders, who didn’t want to lose out on the variety a Chinaman bowler can bring to the T20 league.

After the series win over Aussies, Kuldeep tweeted, “Awesome to win the series after a lot of hard work by the whole team and support staff. #Teamindia No.1.”